Digital Commons Network^™

Dordt Expands Master's Program Options, Sarah Moss

The Voice

No abstract provided.

Developing Spiritual Maturity In Ministry Leaders Through A Whole-Bible Thematic Instruction, Eric John Palmu

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The purpose of this dissertation is to describe the development of an instructional program to teach and instruct ministry leaders in spiritual formation. The research reveals that current ministry leaders either lack a level of comfort in discipling team members or lack the capacity to teach and instruct volunteers in spiritual formation. If current ministry leaders do not disciple well, then future leaders will lack necessary leadership skills—an ominous outcome. Consequently, the purpose of the project is to develop a whole-Bible thematic instruction that will improve the discipleship skills of ministry leaders. The curriculum project is designed to develop in …

A Tale Of Two Books: The Relationship Between John Harvey Kellogg’S Living Temple And Ellen G. White’S Ministry Of Healing, Thomas Rasmussen

Andrews University Seminary Student Journal

In contemporary society John H. Kellogg is more known for his medical inventions, than he is for the book The Living Temple, which was published in 1903. However, within Adventism the name Kellogg denotes crisis and controversy. The thesis of this paper is that Ellen White responded to the Kellogg’s publication in three ways: personally—to John Kellogg; prophetically—to the Seventh-day Adventist Church; and publicly—with the book The Ministry of Healing, which was published two years later in 1905. It is the public response that is of primary interest to this paper. Ellen White wrote many personal letters to Kellogg leading …

God’S Story, Our Story Telling, Re-Telling And Re-Storying, Kara Carter

Consensus

No abstract provided.

Doing From Being: Creating Organizational Integrity Through Mindful Self-Leadership, Adam Stonebraker

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Mindfulness in the workplace is a subject that has seen significant growth in recent years. Mindfulness, which is rooted in ancient contemplative practice, has gained much traction among Western audiences over the last few decades. The application of Mindfulness practices is prevalent now in workplaces, where its efficacy has been well-documented, and impact has included the reduction of employee stress, increased productivity, and enhancement of one’s well-being.

The principles of mindfulness can be applied across disparate workplace settings and in nearly any situation to help bolster employees’ presence and focus in the day-to-day and retain them in the place of …

A Narrative Inquiry Of The Lived Experience Of Three Female Assemblies Of God Lead Pastors, Ryan Harris

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Harris, Ryan L. “A Narrative Inquiry into the Lived Experience of Three Female Assemblies of God Lead Pastors.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2019. 396 pp.

This study utilizes qualitative narrative inquiry to examine the lived experience of three female Assemblies of God lead pastors. It does so to investigate the following research question: Given the complex and inconsistent history and present reality faced by women in the Assemblies of God, how do the participants in this study narrate their lived experience as lead pastors in Assemblies of God churches?

To engage in this investigation, the study begins by explaining the …

Intuitive Wisdom In Leadership : Exploring The Exercise Of Intuitive Wisdom Among Ministry Leaders In New Zealand, Clinton J. Ussher

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Emotional Intelligence For Pastoral Leadership : An Evaluative Study Of The Teaching Modules On Emotional Intelligence For Pastoral Leaders At Seoul Theological Seminary In South Korea, Dong Hyun Nam

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of The Perpetual Leadership Model In The Pentecostal Churches Of The Apostolic Faith International In Liberia, Isaac J. Mehn Sr.

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Rise Of The Part-Time Worship Leader In The Mid-Size Southern Baptist Church, Donald Oren Blakeney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of part-time, bivocational, semi-retired and volunteer worship leaders within mid-size Southern Baptist church and the need for further training and education through a denominationally-driven mentor program. The known decline in attendance and financial giving that most Southern Baptist churches have experienced has affected the moneys available to fill staffing needs and thereby require a reassessment of staff positions; the percentage of the budget allocated for staffing and continuing education. Most of these part-time worship leaders are already educated in another field and cannot allot the resources for a return to …

Leadership Development For Micro-Communities : Developing Leaders In United Methodist Micro-Communities, G. Anthony Mcphail Jr.

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Post-Founder Sustainability : Building Ministries That Outlive Their Founders, William Stephen Murrell

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Psychopathic Personality Traits In Students Entering Helping Professions, Sarah E. Gallup

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Psychopathy is often misrepresented as a sign of criminality and deviance. However, current literature suggests that psychopaths make up approximately one-fifth of the general population. Some people use these characterological traits to their benefit in positions of leadership. In this study, students from a Christian university in the Pacific Northwest were selected to participate in a survey, based upon their chosen major (Business, Psychology, and Religion). It was hypothesized that Business students would have the highest total levels of psychopathy and religion majors would show the lowest levels of psychopathy. Since religion often serves as a protective factor, it is …

Best Together : A Study On Best Practices For Developing Clergy Leaders In Groups, Matthew J. Pennington

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Post-Founder Sustainability : Building Ministries That Outlive Their Founders, William Stephen Murrell

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Leadership Lessons From The Book Of Mormon: Nephi As A Case Study, Khumbulani D. Mdletshe

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

Leaders and scholars in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have, at various times, attempted to identify what constitutes leadership traits. There are no universal leadership traits that predict a leader’s effectiveness in all situations. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, made the following comment: “While most of us can recognize good leadership when we experience or observe it, it is hard for us to isolate controlling traits in a clear-cut way.” Each situation requires specific traits relating to the task at hand. These traits will develop uniquely to individuals and …

An Examination Of Preaching And Church Leadership Within Royal Baptist Church, Jeffie L. Powell Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Throughout this qualitative investigation, the researcher will examine prevalent preaching and leadership styles to promote congregational growth and development. Additionally, a proposed organized dossier for Royal Baptist Church will be implemented, delineating a biblical, practical, compelling leadership style. To explore for analysis, the researcher will assess their contemporary church leadership style juxtaposing favored leadership styles found in the literature. After creating a baseline, the researcher will interview seven ministers via face–to–face, telephone, video messaging, and email, assessing their church preferred leadership style, comparing their preferred preaching and leadership style against techniques found in the literature. Lastly, the researcher will provide …

Black-Led Multiethnic Churches : Understanding The Unique Challenges And Opportunities, Brian L. Taylor

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Crucibles Of Christian Leadership: An Exploration Of Bennis's And Thomas's "Crucible" Concept As It Relates To Christian Leaders, Alan Wilson

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Among terms used to describe the events and experiences that contribute to the shaping of leaders is Warren Bennis’s and Robert Thomas’s “crucibles.” Their use of the term emerged from a series of interviews with leaders who referred to a transformative experience that had contributed to their leadership. This paper describes a research project whose aim was to explore the significance of such experiences in the development of Christian leaders. The experiences of fourteen leaders were examined, and analysis of the experiences demonstrated how they had a part to play in shaping both the character and calling of a leader; …

A New Koinonia: Rediscovering Community Through Online Communities Of Practice, Christal M. N. Jenkins

Doctor of Ministry

The 21st century American church sits in the crux of a paradigm shift. The shift is driven by the decline in community and the need to evolve in the manner and methods used to maintain fellowship with believers who are seeking community. The loss of community presents both a challenge and an opportunity. One way in which we, as the church, can expand our connection with one another is through incorporating communities of practice. Communities of practice consist of three main components: domain (shared interest), community, and practice. The conceptual framework of communities of practice can foster community and discipleship …

Forming Anglican Wayfinders In Aotearoa: A Contextual Approach To Ministerial Preparation, Karen Kemp

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation begins with a Church in crisis and a story of vocation under pressure. It identifies the need for clergy who are resilient and adaptive in the face of change.

Using the four phases of Appreciative Inquiry, Sections Two through Six build a picture of what New Zealand Anglican leaders need today.1

Discover: Section Two surveys bright spots in ministerial education, and exegetes the Rule of Benedict using a leadership lens.

Dream: Section Three identifies key challenges, evaluates emerging models of leadership, and proposes a fresh approach to training.

Design and Destiny phases (Sections Four through Six) present the …

A Story, Metaphor, And A Matrix For The Truly Rural Church That Grows Christ Followers In An Uncertain Future, Lon Hider

Doctor of Ministry

The Church is always one generation away from extinction. There are larger trends that jeopardize the future of rural churches in my area. Evidence suggests there will not be enough Millennials to keep these rural churches viable. The rural churches built themselves on the “world-as-it-used-to-be.” But this world is fading with younger generations. Current approaches are unlikely to keep the ship afloat.

The “world-as-it-used-to-be” distorted the biblical narrative culminating in Christ. This story does not have weight with younger generations. If followers of Jesus in a rural context can embrace the correct biblical narrative, they can grow in their humanity …

Using Comedy To Build Community In Local Churches: How Laughing Together Can Bring People Together, Jason T. Deuman

Doctor of Ministry

Comedy is present in some form in every culture. Understanding humor theories and the effects of comedy on individuals and groups can help local churches foster community in their congregation as well as build bridges for non-congregants to join the community. Developing healthy community through comedy is one of the ways that church leaders can counter the isolation and disconnection occurring in American culture. This project examines humor in the Bible in order to help pastors teach on the value of humor. Church leaders have embraced and rejected humor throughout history. Understanding the various ways comedy has been used in …

The Melody Of Mutuality: Integrating Theological And Psychological Principles For Egalitarian Churches To Better Support Marriages, Jennifer J. Dean-Hill

Doctor of Ministry

The dynamic combination of the unique characteristics of man and woman have been described by author Carolyn Custis James as The Blessed Alliance. Yet power struggles, misunderstandings, and unmet expectations often plague the particular struggles of modern marriages therefore creating a demand for marriage therapists and psychological modalities that seek to rectify the conflictive divide among the genders. Marriage therapy has provided tools and methods for marriages to resolve their differences, strive for a relationship of equity, and develop a culture of mutuality. These new and improved marriages attend egalitarian churches, only to discover the gender wars are still being …

Worship 101: Giving Witness To The Unseen, Eric L. Mathis, Paul Ryan

Symposium on Worship Archive

A fundamental task of worship leadership is giving witness to God. Although we do not see God, we do see evidence of God’s work in the world. We bear witness to God’s work in worship through songs, stories, prayers, and words, and we prompt the congregation to do the same as they embody each action of worship. In this seminar, we will explore the ways worshiping communities name, or give witness to, those things that are seen and unseen. Then, we will imagine how communities similar to or different from our own might teach us about our own faithful witness.

Worship And Culture, John A. Azumah, Monique M. Ingalls, Terry Leblanc, Robert Chao Romero, Leopoldo Sánchez, John D. Witvliet

Symposium on Worship Archive

All pastoral leaders, including worship leaders, are called to make decisions with discernment about culture. We are called to “not conform to this world” (Rom. 12) and yet to “be all things to all people” for the sake of the gospel (1 Cor. 9:22). At its best, Christian worship is richly contextual. It is also countercultural. To make discerned choices about how worship relates to culture, we need the wisdom of believers from many different cultural contexts to teach and guide us, to keep us from rejecting what should not be rejected and embracing what should not be embraced. We …

Worship 101: Skills & Drills For The Emerging Worship Leader, Paul Ryan

Symposium on Worship Archive

What skills are needed for faithful worship leadership? How does an aspiring worship leader develop these skills? In this seminar we will introduce two essential practices: leading in prayer and leading in song. For each practice, we will explore multiple drills that emerging worship leaders can repeat in order to grow in confidence and ability. This seminar is designed especially for emerging worship leaders and those who mentor them.

Mentorship And Mission In Profession: Inquiries, Perspectives And Recommendations // Наставничество И Миссия В Профессии: Перспективы, Исследования И Рекомендации, Alexander Negrov, Belov Alexey, Александр Негров, Белов Алексей

Russian Resources/Ресурсы на Русском

It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of such an integral part of professional life as mentoring. However, for the most part, a conceptual formulation and practice of mentoring is not commonly found in either the secular or Christian culture. This book presents an overview of the current situation surrounding professional and spiritual mentoring among evangelical Christians in Eurasia. It also presents results of the research project, “Mentoring and Mission in the Workplace Among Evangelical Christians,” which was carried out by Hodos Institute in 2017–18. The authors share insights based upon analysis of the research data and offer perspectives …

Women In Ministry: How Conflicts Between God's Purpose And Church Doctrine Impact The Efficacy Of Female Church Leaders, Nicole L. Davis

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

The following research was a biographical narrative that examined the lived experiences of male and female church leaders and their perspectives on the social, moral, and religious implications of female church leadership. The purpose of this research was to explore the ideologies and identities of women leaders within the faith ministry, the definitions of ministry and leadership, the role of women in church ministry, and their understanding of marketplace ministry. I employed conflict resolution theories relating to power, change, and mental modeling as the basis of analysis for evaluating the impact of church policies and practices on the utilization of …

Ignatian Colleagues Program Immersions: Formation In The ‘School Of The Poor’, Thomas Kelly

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

Each year the Ignatian Colleagues Program, the premier leadership development program of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), takes its participants on three or four different immersions throughout the world. The purpose of these immersions, framed through Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy, is to more deeply understand a “faith that does justice” and the meaning of Ignatian leadership. The inspiration for this approach comes directly from the life of St. Ignatius and the central role his own encounter with the poor played in his conversion and development as a person. This article summarizes the background, preparation, immersion, reflection and …